This Aquarius Full Moon Is Also A Lunar Eclipse: Here's What It Means For You

As the only Aquarius full moon of 2017 brightens up the skies at 2:10 p.m. EST, these future-forward moonbeams help us dream outside of the box. The Aquarius full moon is also a game-changing partial lunar eclipse and is known by some Native American tribes as the "Full Sturgeon Moon," since the sturgeon found in the Great Lakes were caught in abundance this time of year. Stargazers, rejoice: The Perseid meteor shower will also be visible at this lunation, reaching its peak on August 12.

The cosmos are already putting on quite a show in August, as the Aquarius lunar eclipse kicks off this month's eclipse season, culminating with a total solar eclipse at the Leo new moon on August 21. Astrologically speaking, we’ll feel the impact of both of these eclipses—no goggles required!

These lunar liftoffs shake up the status quo and reveal things that are obscured from our view.

High-minded Aquarius is the sign of collaboration, groups, and humanitarian efforts. It’s all about uniting around a higher cause and the creative impulse to fight for our beliefs. This sign is more about universal love than intense one-on-ones. The casual Water Bearer can get nervous under the heat of too much passion and emotion. This is friendly, convivial energy at its best—platonic, playful, and decidedly NOT romantic. But who cares? Aquarius is irresistibly fun, likable, and adorably goofy—making this liberating lunation a good time to be shared by all.

With Aquarian energy in the cosmic mix, this star map helps us visualize our ideal futures and then connect to the people who can help us bring the big picture to life.

When in doubt, take the unconventional route! Aquarius is the sign that governs teamwork and technology. There will be group victories to celebrate this week—or a deep desire to find our tribes. Turn on the searchlight: Those kindred spirits could be revealed within the next two weeks.

Feel like making the world a better place? (Hands raised.) Power-to-the-people Aquarius guides us toward humanitarian missions. Whether your big-hearted endeavors involve global activism or a little community cleanup, there's strength in numbers, too. No good deed is too small…but why not go a little bigger, inviting your social network to get in on these kind acts?

You say you want a revolution? Make some wishes or intentions (see our guide to new/full moon rituals here), and get the movement underway. Meanwhile, here are seven star-powered tips to liberate yourself at the Aquarius full moon:

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1. Embrace your weird.

So you secretly believe that aliens inhabit the earth and live among us (come to think of it, that strange neighbor of yours does fit the profile). You put hot sauce on your dessert. You don’t believe in monogamy, but you're certain unicorns exist. Whatever. The Aquarius full moon urges you to stop hiding the parts of yourself that might be quirky, eccentric, or just not in perfect harmony with the people around you. Because Aquarian energy is all about "live and let live," this full moon is great for authentic sharing—without forcing your ideas on anyone else.

2. Know that setbacks are necessary in order to move forward.

Uber-rational Aquarius is a master of emotional objectivity. Where do you have your teeth and claws sunk in so deeply that you can’t see the forest for the trees? The Aquarius full moon is a great day to practice the Buddhist principle of nonattachment. Yes, you may WANT something with every fiber of your being. But do you also understand that if it doesn’t happen, you’ll still be OK? If you think you can't survive without a person, an outcome, or whatever you’re hooked into, this lunar light helps you release that fear. Let go, and the Aquarius full moon will bring a better long-term resolution to your issues.

3. Envision a utopian world...and manifest it!

Got a radical idea? Aquarius is the sign of the future and even rules sci-fi. It’s the forward-focused mad scientist who envisions a quirky, idealized world—or perhaps one populated by aliens, cyborgs, and a code of radical individualism. Author Ayn Rand was an Aquarius, and her philosophy of objectivism—controversial as it is—champions reason, fighting for liberation, and minimal government meddling (no sloppy sentiment in there). Of course, that can edge into scary Tea Party territory, but that’s why most philosophies are more interesting on paper than in practice.

While your beliefs may not be quite so stark and stripped of emotion, consider what the perfect world would be like if you could create it. What does it look like—and how can you bring a healthy drop of that to your daily life? Maybe it’s to the tune of Burning Man, where every day is a costume party, and people share their talents, goods, and services without exchanging money. You might want to read up on some New Age and shamanic ideas (like the "Hopi Prophecies") or even deepen your knowledge of astrology—all Aquarian themes.

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4. Bear your own Olympic torch.

Aquarius is the zodiac’s team player, encouraging you to show pride for a group you belong to. Whether the activity you’re involved in is sporty or stationary, wave the symbolic flag and wear the uniform. But don't sit in the stands, spectator-style. The gold medal goes to those who move their bodies! Aquarius is all about kinetic energy, and this full moon is the perfect time to commit to a sports league, train for a 5K with a team, or attend a group fitness class. The next two weeks are an especially rich time for jumping in with both sneakered feet. Summon your social network! Getting your friends into the fitness groove with you will keep you motivated.

5. Host a high-minded workshop.

Idealistic, intellectual Aquarius revels in the realm of cutting-edge ideas. The Aquarius full moon creates the perfect space for a workshop or salon. Gather your brain trust for a topic-centered discussion, potluck style if you can, since group-centric Aquarius parties are even better when everyone contributes. You might even screen a film like No Impact Manor watch a TED talk to spark the conversation. Who knows? With the Aquarius full moon ruling the skies, the night could end with a plan for the new world order.

6. Let loose and geek out.

Liberated Aquarius rules technology, so circle this full moon for spreading a message through social media and digital platforms. Ready for a job upgrade? The Aquarius full moon prompts you to up your technical know-how. Check out courses from Lynda.com or General Assembly, where you can get both virtual and in-person instruction. This full moon is a great time to launch an online marketing, crowdfunding, or social networking campaign, too. Ready, set, go viral!

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7. Give yourself a breath of fresh air.

As any yogi will attest, there’s nothing more centering than a deep inhalation of oxygen. Aquarius is an air sign, so breathe deep! Many of us won’t take a sip of water that isn’t filtered, so how about giving our air the same attention at the Aquarius full moon? Plug in the air purifier, deionizer, or dehumidifier. Try an essential oil mister for a fragrant and soothing blast. Just go easy on the patchouli—a fan favorite of this bohemian Aquarius full moon, but a strong whiff for the average sensory citizen. Grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, and other citrus oils are uplifting and energizing. Perfect for the Aquarius "mad scientist" moments that could keep you up working on your master plan till the wee hours of the morn'.

The AstroTwins

Astrologers & Best-Selling Authors

Dubbed the “astrologers to the stars,” identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as the AstroTwins, are professional astrologers who reach millions worldwide through their spot-on predictions. Through their website, Astrostyle.com, Ophira and Tali help “bring the stars down to earth” with their unique, lifestyle-based approach to astrology. They are also the official astrologers for ELLE.com, Elle Magazine, MindBodyGreen.com and The New Potato. The AstroTwins have been featured in the UK Sunday Times, the New York Times Sunday Styles section, People Magazine, Domino, InStyle, Architecture Daily, Business Iinsider and much more media globally. The AstroTwins have collaborated with major brands including Vogue, Nordstrom, Revlon, H&amp;M, Urban Outfitters, Ted Baker, Kate Spade and Calypso St. Barth, 20th Century Fox, among others. The sisters have read charts for celebrities including Beyoncé, Emma Roberts, Stevie Wonder, Jessica Simpson, and Sting. They are regular guests on SiriusXM and have appeared on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey. They have authored four print books: AstroStyle, Love Zodiac, Shoestrology, and Momstrology (their #1 Amazon best-selling astrological parenting guide) and a growing collection of ebooks, including their popular annual horoscope guides (now available in print).